flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-(ˌ)gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several large aquatic birds (family Phoenicopteridae) with long legs and neck, webbed feet, a broad lamellate bill resembling that of a duck but abruptly bent downward, and usually rosy-white plumage with scarlet wing coverts and black wing quills

Illustration of flamingo

Examples of flamingo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But so far, Florida officials have declined to categorize flamingos as a threatened species. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 June 2024

Faherty told the news outlet that this Massachusetts flamingo sighting could be a part of this storm’s aftermath. —Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 5 June 2024

For now, birders, including Faherty, have gone to the area after the initial sightings to try to catch a glimpse of the flamingo themselves. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 June 2024

At nearby Da Laura, an Italian trattoria, the decor is eclectic (flamingo pink walls, verdant plant ceiling, mismatched chairs) and the housemade pasta is perfectly al dente. —Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsolete Spanish flamengo (now flamenco), literally, Fleming, German (conventionally thought of as ruddy-complexioned)

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

flamingo

noun

fla·​min·​go flə-ˈmiŋ-gō 

plural flamingos also flamingoes

: any of several rosy-white birds with scarlet wings, a very long neck and legs, and a broad bill bent down at the end that are often found wading in shallow water

Etymology

from Portuguese flamingo "flamingo," from Spanish flamenco "flamingo," derived from Latin flamma "flame"; so called from the fiery red feathers on the underside of the wings